Friendship

Friends come and go with the passing of time. Some friends are lifelong; others are friends only for a season. Some friends will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

As we consider our relationships with others, we would do well to ask, “What kind of friend am I?” Am I a fair-weather friend who will be there for someone else only when it is convenient for me, or am I a true friend who is sincerely interested in the well-being of another individual, regardless of the time and effort it costs me to nurture the friendship? If we are honest, most of us would admit to being disappointed by friends at one time or another. At times, we ourselves have been guilty of the same offense.

Earthly friendships are complicated because human beings are complicated, imperfect creatures. Nonetheless, there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and his name is Jesus.

Jesus is faithful, kind, and loving. He sees us just as we are and loves us, warts and all. When I can’t call on anyone else, I know that I can call on him. I know that he will never, ever stop being my friend and that he will always be with me. His Word assures me of that. Jesus has loved me with an everlasting love that is not dependent on my employment, my financial status, my outer beauty, my sense of humor, or my availability to provide a service or favor. If my circumstances change, Jesus remains faithful, true, and constant. Never too busy for one of his own, he talks to me and is always glad to hear my voice.

What a friend we have in Jesus! Oh, that we would be more like him in our own friendships!

Copyright © 2012 by Dee Dee Wike.